Why the Secrecy on New Riverstone Offer?

Since May 22 of last year, Nassau County and Riverstone Properties have been at a legal impasse over 50 acres on which Riverstone wishes to build 85-foot tall condo towers. County zoning allows 45-foot heights.

Last Thursday County Commissioners met behind closed doors to review a settlement offer from Riverstone, and those doors remain closed as of Saturday.

Community reaction to the taller towers was overwhelmingly negative and remains so. And now, community activists think it’s high time the commissioners reveal what they are considering in the secret offer.

In a letter to commissioners, Lyn Panone of the Amelia Island Tree Conservancy and Corky Hoffman of the Sanctuary Homeowners Association said, “The attorneys with whom we have been consulting continue to underscore the strength of the county’s case against Riverstone.

“All agree that the actions taken by the commissioners to limit building heights on Amelia Island were sound, proper, and well done.

“The citizens of Nassau County have certainly made their interests and wishes clear with respect to the property. If a reasonable settlement offer is forthcoming from Riverstone, in the face of their difficult legal position, we hope that it reflects the expressed view of the citizens.

“If so, we look forward to working with you in support of such a settlement.”